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With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO world heritage-listed national forests. It is a tour full of contrasts.
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
Our Scenic South Korea tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore Seoul, a dynamic and modern city which still has plenty of culture and tradition
Discover the picturesque port city Busan, which is full of character
Explore scenic Mount Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Spend time in Gyeongju, called 'the museum without walls'
Our Scenic South Korea Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
First performed on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1997, the Nanta is a showcase of Korean culture and performance art, presented as a non-verbal show, instead using music and motion and integrating a traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm.
As part of discovering traditional Korean lifestyle at Naganeupseong Fortress Village, you can try your hand at one of Korea's oldest cultural arts – handkerchief dyeing.
Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from busy teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next, learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’ in a cookery class which you'll get to eat for lunch. Also visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city views at the N Seoul Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th century in the traditional style features essential elements to bring harmony, such as flowing water, trees and grasses. Continue to Gwangju, where you’ll spend some time discovering this artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city full of character and traditional features as well as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish Market then see the city from above at Busan Tower. Also browse the wares at Gukje Market. After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the city is home to a staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals, it is one of South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures. Take the cable to the mountaintop and then hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch, take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as well as an optional visit to the temple.
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there will be free time for those who wish to shop or further explore Seoul on your own.
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. An early start is needed today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on your adventures! Special conditions apply to this day, please refer to your tour dossier for more information.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Places Visited: UK - Seoul (2N) - Damyang - Gwangju (1N) - Boseong - Suncheon (1N) - Yeosu - Busan (1N) - Gyeongju (2N) Mt Seorak (2N) - Gagneung - Seoul (2N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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